Step 1: Measuring
Use a tape measuring the size of your area. (Length times width equals area.) For irregular areas, break it down into rectangles (Length x Width=Area), or triangles (1/2 Length x Width=Area), and add up the sections to get your total area. Add 5% extra for irregular areas or 2% extra for square or rectangle areas. You are better off having a roll or two left over then coming up short.
Step 2: Soil Preparation
Soil Preparation is important for the long term health and vigor of your lawn.
1. Remove weeds, sticks and large rocks.
2. Rototill to a depth of at least 4-6".
3. Rough grade for proper drainage
A. Slope away from foundation.
B. Slope away from the middle of the lawn to prevent puddling.
4. Spread soil amendments.
a. Redwood or fir bark compost.
1. 2-3 cu. yd. / 1,000 square feet for light to medium soil.
2. 4-6 cu. yd. / 1,000 square feet for heavy clay.
b. Gypsum to lower pH and improve soil structure (optional)
1. 100 lbs. / 1,000 square feet for light to medium soil.
2. 200 lbs / 1,000 square feet for heavy clay soil.
c. Blend all amendments 4-6" by rototilling!!!
5. Rough grade again to reestablish drainage.
6. Install underground irrigation system for easy and more uniform watering.
. Separate partial shade areas from full sun areas with valves. They will have different watering needs.
7. Finish grade lawn area should be 3/4"-1" below concrete walks, mow strips, and sprinkler heads.
8. Roll lawn area with a water roller 1/3 full of water to smooth out and firm the surface. This will also show any low spots in the area that need to be filled.
9. Water to moisten and settle soil a day or two before the sod delivery. Do not make the area muddy!!!
Step 3: Ordering Sod
1. Dimensions or area of sod.
2. Date wanted (Tues. - Sat.)
3. Address of delivery site and nearest cross street.
4. Phone # (Home & Work).
5. Call the Sod Depot to place order:
(916) 685-9800 or (800) 685-1551
6. Type of payments accepted:
a. Visa or Mastercard over the phone.
b. COD by homeowners personal check, Money Order, Cash or Cashier check.
Step 4: Sod Installation
1. All sod should be installed on day of arrival!!!
a. If soil is dry moisten the night before or if soil is hot at time of installation, mist the soil to cool it. Hot soil or dry soil may damage sod roots.
b. In hot weather protect unlaid sod by placing rolls in shade, covering with moist burlap and/or sprinkling with water.
c. Start laying the sod rolls along a straight edge or along a straight line in an irregular area. Sod should be laid perpendicular to any slope. Start with a full roll and push edges against the side. As you lay the sod pieces it is important to butt the edges together. Do not overlap (this is to prevent gaps that dry out and prevents space for weeds to grow). Cut the first roll of the second row in half and place one full roll next to it (this is to alternate the seams so that they are staggered). Continue this pattern on following rows to fill rectangular area, then fill odd areas by unrolling sod and trimming edges that overhang with a sod knife.
Helpful Hints:
a. Unroll all the sod in the same direction.
b. If soil is wet & soft, lay boards or plywood down to work from.
Step 5: Rolling Sod (Optional)
1. It is best to roll the lawn before watering for the first time, (roller should be about 1/4 to 1/2 full of water). It is important to have soil in contact with the sod. This can be done in sections so you can water as soon as possible especially in hot weather.
Step 6: Water-Water-Water-Water **MOST IMPORTANT STEP**
1. Water well three or four times a day if it is hot, for 10-14 days. Make sure the soil portion of the sod is saturated. Do not worry about the threat of over watering the sod, unless there is standing water. After the initial 10-14 days, watering 2 or 3 times a week during spring and fall should be sufficient and 3 to 4 times a week in the summer with the exception of Mello Blue and Mello Rye, those may need water everyday during spring and summer.
Step 7: Mowing
1. The first mowing will be about 10-14 day after installation to allow the ground to firm before the first mowing. Make sure the soil is not to spongy when you mow. Set your mower to its highest cut setting and be sure the blades are sharp. The second mowing should be one week later and set the mowing height a notch lower. Subsequent mowings should be weekly intervals and the height should be set at 2 1/2" in warm weather, down to 2" in the winter. It is important not to remove over 1/3" of the grass height in any one mowing or sunscald can result.
Step 8: Fertilizing
1. Start your fertilizing process after the the 3rd mowing. A well-fertilized lawn will have fewer weeds and pest problems. Always water immediately after fertilizing to prevent burning. See your local nursery for fertilizer recommendations. READ ALL LABELS ON PACKAGING FOR INSTRUCTIONS.
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